Allahabad HC Seeks Reply From Centre & State Govt. In Plea For Regulation Of Sale & Distribution Of Acid [Read Order]

The bench of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Chandra Dhari Singh has asked the governments to file their counter affidavits latest by January 31.

The directions were issued after the Petitioner-NGO, Chhanv Foundation, apprised the bench that despite the guidelines issued by the Apex Court in Laxmi v. Union of India & Ors., obtaining acid in the State was a cakewalk.

The court was also informed that the State government had issued several directions to regulate sale of acid in UP vide a govt. order in August, 2013, but no serious action had been taken for implementation of the same so far.

The Petitioner further pointed out that the UP State Secretary had specifically asked all the DMs, SSPs and SPs to comply with the said GO and to upload the steps taken in that behalf by 7th day of every month. Nevertheless, the authorities were either not adhering with those directions or were only performing empty formalities.

Taking serious note of the nonchalant attitude of the state authorities, the court has asked the UP State govt. to take prompt action and curb unfettered sale and distribution of acid.

"Having considered the facts stated above, we deem it appropriate to call upon the respondents to file a counter affidavit to the petition at the earliest.

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In the meanwhile, the respondents are directed to ensure compliance of the directions issued under the letter dated 10.05.2016 (Annexure-3 to the petition) read with Government Order dated 16.08.2013 as referred in the letter aforesaid," the bench directed.

Case Details:

Case Title: Chhanv Foundation v. Union of India & Ors.

Case No.: PIL (C) 664/2020

Quorum: Chief Justice Govind Mathur & Justice Chandra Dhari Singh

Appearance: Advocate Prince Lenin (for Petitioner)

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